Students Get Professional Experience Through Internship Programs at Silverado Memory Care Communities

Every weekday morning throughout each school semester, ten high school seniors from Singley Academy in Irving, Texas arrive at Silverado Valley Ranch Memory Care Community for a unique educational experience that takes them out of the classroom and into the real world.

The students — each interested in pursuing a career in the field of care for the elderly — get an opportunity to learn first-hand about the industry as they lead engagement activities and follow in the footsteps of Silverado’s world-class caregiving, nursing and culinary teams.

Nicholas Redepenning, a recent graduate of the program shares, “The residents at Silverado surprise me every day, reaffirming my passion for pursuing a career in this industry. I feel that my experience working with the professionals at Silverado is truly setting me up for success as I prepare for college.”

Similar learning experiences take place at Silverado communities throughout the country. For example, in San Juan Capistrano, California, Silverado leadership mentors one student from JSerra Catholic High School’s prestigious Business Magnet Program each semester. “Student interactions with the Silverado staff has been a very positive experience, helping to set the stage for future business leaders,” shares Carol Chaffee, Director of the Business Magnet Program at JSerra. “As part of the hands-on experience, our students even work on a semester-long project that benefits their host business.”

In some cases, these programs have even led to a full-time job. At Silverado Kingwood Memory Care Community in Texas, one former student was so inspired by the program that she is now a Silverado associate.

Whether an intern is interested in the medical aspect of a community or the business of healthcare, programs of this caliber are generally designed for college students — truly giving these high school students a solid foundation. “Working with the residents and top notch professionals at Silverado has been more than an internship, it’s been a lifealtering experience,” says Aaron Choi, a student from JSerra. “One of my biggest discoveries is the importance of details innot only business but in anticipating the needs of others.”